Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to treat a severely damaged or infected tooth. The treatment involves removing the damaged or infected pulp (the innermost part of the tooth), cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then sealing it to prevent further infection. The purpose of a root canal is to save the tooth and alleviate pain caused by infection or inflammation.

Here’s a general overview of the root canal treatment process

Diagnosis: We will examine your tooth, review your symptoms, and may use diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays) to assess the extent of the damage or infection. If the pulp inside the tooth is affected by decay, infection, or inflammation, a root canal may be recommended.

Local Anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding area, ensuring that you are comfortable and pain-free during the treatment.

Access Opening: We will create a small access opening on the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.

Cleaning and Shaping: Using specialized instruments, we will carefully remove the damaged or infected pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. The canals are then cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and debris.

Filling: Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the space to prevent reinfection.

Sealing: The access opening in the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling material. In some cases, a dental crown may be recommended to provide additional strength and protection to the tooth.

Restoration: If a dental crown is not placed immediately after the root canal, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. A crown helps protect the tooth from further damage and restores its natural appearance.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Pain Relief: Root canal treatment is often performed to alleviate severe toothache and discomfort caused by infection or inflammation of the tooth pulp.

Tooth Preservation: The procedure allows for the preservation of a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage.

Natural Appearance: After restoration, the treated tooth looks and functions like a natural tooth.

Improved Oral Health: By removing infection and preventing its spread, root canal treatment contributes to overall oral health.

Common Misconceptions

Pain: Root canal treatment is not as painful as its reputation suggests. Local anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free experience, and modern techniques have made the procedure much more comfortable.

Extraction is a Better Option: Saving a natural tooth through root canal treatment is often preferable to extraction. Extracted teeth may lead to problems like misalignment and bone loss.

If you suspect that you might need a root canal or are experiencing severe tooth pain, you are welcome to schedule a meeting with us, and we will provide you with the right advice.